The governors of the school meet at least once a term. They are a group of people drawn from the community, the school and the parents. The Headteacher is responsible to the governors for the leadership and management, behaviour and safety, teaching and learning, curriculum and safeguarding aspects of the school.

Chair of Governors: Lesley Caldwell

To Mar 2020

Declared business interests: None

Lead responsibilities: Safeguarding

“My passion is good quality education and enabling all students to reach their personal best.

I have a long history of being involved in pastoral care and learning support for learning difficulties. In my last role as Assistant Principal at North West Kent College I was responsible for the strategic direction and delivery of Student Services, Additional Learning Support and Admissions functions over two main campuses, Dartford and Gravesend. I was also the designated person for the College Safeguarding responsibility.”

Headteacher Cheryl Chalkley

Declared business interests: none

Teacher Leah Sexton

To June 2020

Declared business interests: none

Parent Laurence Stock

To April 2021

Declared business interests: none

“With my daughter already attending Mersham Primary, and her younger brother likely to follow in her footsteps, I have a vested interest in making the school the best it can be. I have extensive corporate experience, having been part of Leadership teams for several national businesses, managing large teams and taking a strategic view to organisational development. Much of my career has been spent winning new business, and I hope to use these skills to attract additional funding for the school, and to maximise the use of its current resources.”

Parent Carrie Page

To Nov 2018

Declared business interests: husband is director of vehicle leasing company

“I’ve worked in Education for 45 years – in teaching and managing schools; inspecting; advising; training teachers and headteachers. I am a National Leader of Governance and am Chair of Governors at both Challock and Ospringe primary schools. I care passionately about education and all young people having the opportunity and support to achieve their potential.”

Co-opted Roger Spicer

To Nov 2019

Declared business interests: None

“I am an insurance broker in the City of London and outside of work – when I am not helping at Mersham – I am Vice Chair of Governors at Challock Primary School. In my free time, I coach rugby at Ashford Rugby Club, and I also watch a lot of sport on television.”

Co-opted and Foundation Governor Mick Taylor

To Nov 2019

Declared business interests: None

“I retired in 2012 after 40 years of teaching in Surrey, Kent and East London. I taught PE and Maths to secondary aged pupils, including GCSE and A level. For the last 20 years I was a senior manager, which included posts as Assistant Headteacher, Senior Deputy Headteacher and Acting Headteacher. Currently I am also a governor at Brabourne C of E Primary School.”